Long-lost Stradivarius returned to orchestra

A rare Stradivarius violin worth $1 million US is being returned to the Dallas Symphony Orchestra after it was stolen 21 years ago.

The instrument, which dates back to 1725, disappeared from the apartment of concertmaster Emanuel Borok in 1985 and was presumed to be missing forever.

The symphony, which bought the violin in 1978,made an insurance claim and the issue was settled.

But the violin has resurfaced.An instrument specialist with British auction house Bonhamscame upon it during a visit to the U.S. and brought it back to England.

Further investigation revealed it was one of the surviving 600 Stradivarius violins. The auction house traced it back to the symphony.

To have played such a major role in returning this legendary instrument to its original owner is a source of much pride for Bonhams, said Philip Scott, director of the auctioneers instruments department.

Stacie Adams of the DSO says little is known about what happened to the instrument over the years since its loss, though the violin did have some damage, which is now being restored.

Adams says the lawyer representing the American dealer who had the violin lives in Los Angeles.

The dealer had been given the violin in lieu of a debt andagreedto return it to the orchestra provided the auction house signed a confidentiality agreement.

Antonio Stradivari lived from 1644 to 1737 and worked in Cremona, Italy. He made about 1,200 violins which are highly prized for their sound quality and resonance.